How to make buildings earthquake proof?
Jun 06, 2009
in
Earthquake Questions
I need some ways that it would help to make buildings earthquake proof or more safer so there is less damage caused.
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5 comments
linlyons on June 6, 2009 at 12:10 am
this was one of the design criteria of the transamerica pyramid.
wide heavy base, declining weight as the height increases.
allowing some flexibility helps as well.
however, the ground makes a significant difference as well.
typically, in the 1989 loma prietta quake, buildings on rock foundations did well.
all the fires you saw were in the marina, built on land fill in the bay, that shook like jello.
bluejacket48 on June 6, 2009 at 12:10 am
My ideas are:
– large springs supporting the foundation of the building. It will absorb most of the shock.
– Make the building with heaviest weight at the bottom.
– Make a floating house
– Make the house with a pyramid design
A.Ganapathy India on June 6, 2009 at 12:10 am
First you must understand the soil and geographical condition of your area. How for you are away from fault line boundary. You are living in what seismic zone. What was the seismic frequency usually sensed in your area.Your building natural frequency should not match with the frequency of earthquake. It is wrong assumption that only the tall building will be affected by earthquakes.It depends upon several factors. Just give more reinforcements to avoid the damage during lateral shaking. Put the plinth beam under the ground. If possible give X types of beam to withstand crushing force generated by earthquake waves. Another new angle in which our country is working is the amplification factor and liquefaction factors. Better consult civil engineer of your area.
Miss Wong on June 6, 2009 at 12:10 am
Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's design for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo which has stupidly been torn down. He put the water pipes and electrical wiring hanging freely inside a shaft so they wouldn't break but had room to move. He did some extremely innovative things to earthquake proof the building. Most of which have not been improved upon but largely discarded.
Here's a place to get a free download of it:
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Imperial_Hotel.html
Hzl on June 6, 2009 at 12:10 am
mercury blocks